Manager, Advocacy and Community Engagement

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin .

AARP's Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP's social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

The Manager, Advocacy & Community Engagement manages implementation and execution of advocacy and engagement goals and objectives within the business unit plan and organization strategy. Manages advocacy and outreach activities in regional and governmental targets, represents the organization and its interests to elected officials, community, and public policy leaders. Partners with internal and external teams to achieve the organization's legislative and policy agenda and engagement goals. Manages the establishment of strategic partnerships and the execution of advocacy and engagement campaigns that include grassroots and volunteer mobilization and leadership. Leads state-level implementation of national campaign efforts. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.

Responsibilities

• Identifies issues of public policy and organizational importance and develops and implements advocacy strategies at the appropriate governmental targets. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, as well as internal and external partners, to achieve the organization's legislative and policy goals.
• Represents the organization and its interests to governmental bodies, advocating for organizational interests in front of legislative bodies, and monitoring and commenting on legislation that may impact strategic organizational priorities.
• Manages the design and implementation of audience engagement strategies, researching target audiences and designing engagement opportunities that align with strategic objectives and integrate across geographies and issue areas. Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal/external resources to raise the visibility of the organization within communities.
• Directs the recruitment, training, and deployment of volunteers in accordance with organizational goals. Designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement and ensures inclusion of volunteer perspectives in strategic planning.
• Develops and manages the execution of advocacy campaigns and collaborates with internal and external partners on advocacy, communications, and strategy development. Utilizes direct action organizing tactics and implements grassroots advocacy tools to build constituent support for the organization's legislative priorities.
• Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials at all levels and governmental representatives. Serves as a subject matter resource on the organization's issues with the goal of advancing and promoting the organization's advocacy agenda.
• Ensures strong people management across team, monitoring and supporting employee engagement as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field plus 5+ years of experience in advocacy, public policy, or government relations.
• Demonstrated experience working with elected officials and government agencies.
• Proven track record in community organizing, outreach, and engagement.
• Experience in developing and managing community-based programs and initiatives.
• Understanding of the legislative process and public policy formulation.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills and ability to use digital tools for advocacy and community engagement, such as virtual meetings and social media.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elective officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
• Proficiency in project management and ability to handle multiple priorities.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.